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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.13.18
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Justin M.
1:24
Any chance 72 starts the season on line 1 with 87 and 59?
Jason Mackey
1:25
Yeah, I think there's a very good chance of that happening. I think you could go with 72 or 17 or 41. I like 17's speed, and I think that would probably be 87's preference. But they have to work together. It's also hard because Rust can add so much to 3LW or 4RW. I might not wanna waste him with Sid when it makes more sense to play him down in the lineup.
BigPapitoSalami
1:25
Mackey you’re my favorite along with MM and DK. Are you concerned about Sprong or do you think he will slot in nicely? I personally am a bit concerned about his defense.
Jason Mackey
1:26
Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you reading and hanging out here. ... I'm not concerned about Sprong. Not in the least. My only (modest) issue would be making sure he shoots enough. I'd tell him, "Daniel, I want 10 shot attempts, or you're sitting next game." If he gets that many SAs, I like the chances of a few going in. Couldn't care less about his two-way play if he scores the way he's capable. Let Cullen, Rust or Sheahan worry about not giving up too much.
Matt in Cleveland
1:26
Do you buy Toronto as a legit contender?  I don't.  I get Tavares is good, but his production will offset what they lost with JVR and Bozek.  Tavares doesn't help their below average D and question mark at goalie.  I don't see them making as big a jump as most do.
Jason Mackey
1:27
I see them as a legit contender, Matt. Tavares, Matthews, a bunch of young talent ... how can you not pick them among the best 4-5 teams? But I like Tampa, Washington and Pittsburgh more. I just feel they're better, deeper teams with -- like you said -- better goaltending.
Brandyn
1:27
Do you expect to see ZAR and Simon in the lineup?
Jason Mackey
1:28
Not right away. I think unless ZAR goes nutso at camp and scores 6-7 goals, he starts in WBS. Simon ... I don't know what to make him. There's just not a spot right now, so long as Rutherford doesn't have an additional trade up his sleeve ... which I honestly don't think he does.
Justin M.
1:28
Will it be hornqvist or sprong on the first line?
Jason Mackey
1:29
I would go Hornqvist to start. I don't want Sid having to always be worried about his line getting scored upon. Go make plays. I'd try to get Sprong to click with Brassard; it's the best thing for the Penguins' overall lineup, IMO.
HB
1:29
Do you think Addison and Bellevue and Johnson become contributors during this cup window?
Jason Mackey
1:30
Yeah, I do. I think Johnson could see some time this year. If not in 2018-19, definitely in 2019-20. Addison a couple years off. A little unsure on Jordy. Giving him a pass because of the burns and such, but he didn't do much at the Prospects Challenge. I know it's a lot to ask, so I don't want to bury anything or jump to conclusions. Was just a little quiet is all.
dave
1:30
Who will be on the #1 PP and PK units?
Jason Mackey
1:30
PP1: Letang, Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Hornqvist
PP2: Schultz, Guentzel, Brassard, Rust and Sprong.
1:31
PK1: Sheahan, Hagelin, Dumoulin and Letang
PK2: Cullen, Rust, Johnson and Maatta. (Oleksiak rotates in, perhaps taking some of Letang's time.)
JamesinNYC
1:31
Maybe they put 3 centers on the fourth line and do a quick rock paper scissors for the faceoff?  Confusing that they signed/resigned 3 centers in the off season...does Jim think he is going to trade Brassard?
Jason Mackey
1:32
I think Jim wanted an extra center for a couple reasons. 1. Because people do get hurt. ... 2. To insulate himself against Cullen stinking. ... 3. If Brassard doesn't find a fit here. ... Worst thing is the Penguins have too many centers and have to flip one for picks, right?
Gtown
1:32
Where does ZAR fit heading into the season?  I like the fact that he brought a much needed physical dimension to the forward group.
Jason Mackey
1:33
Same here. I think they could really need his toughness. He can win a spot, but it's not going to be easy. There's definitely room for someone to come in and play a bang around, physical game at 3LW. Gotta score some and add defense, but if ZAR plays well and brings what he can, he could easily be that guy.
Tony
1:33
For the upcoming training camp, will the players on Teams 1, 2 and 3 be listed publicly beforehand? Or do people find out when they get to practice?
Jason Mackey
1:34
Unfortunately it's usually not available until practice. I get that that stinks, too. It's like a five-hour window with guys on the ice, and usually you're not going to go for the whole time.
TK
1:34
I notice your line combos didn't include Simon or ZAR.  That sounds good to me, but do you think Sullivan will do that?  He seems to like those guys.
Jason Mackey
1:36
He does, but who do you take out? ZAR would mean -- in all likelihood -- no Cullen or Sheahan. They're important parts of the PK. I could see Simon, I suppose, but he doesn't add much with special teams, and they should have enough offense. I don't think they got Cullen or Grant to sit, and it becomes a numbers game. ZAR is on a two-way deal and can keep developing.
Brandyn
1:37
Without Simon and ZAR in the lineup what are your lines looking like?
Jason Mackey
1:37
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1:38
Oh, you meant hockey lines? Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist // Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel // Cullen-Brassard-Sprong // Grant-Sheahan-Rust
Guest
1:38
Every other PIT journalist has Simon as the odds on bet to playing with Sid at the start of the season...yet you think he might be the 13th forward. What do you know?
Jason Mackey
1:38
Apparently nothin', according to you. ... Would you mind sharing even one of aforementioned predictions?
Guest
1:39
Do you agree with Phil Lesh's practice of giving his horses LSD on his farm? Isn't that animal cruelty?  Thanks for the chats!
Jason Mackey
1:40
I have never heard that, and I would agree that I think it's animal cruelty. But I don't think it's true.
fan of team
1:40
Is Gordie Howe the greatest hockey player of all time?
Jason Mackey
1:40
One of the five greatest, for sure, but I'm going with Mario.
Guest
1:41
Well Boumboulie (sp?) and Kingerski both predicted Simon would be playing RW with Sid and Jake
Jason Mackey
1:41
It's Bombulie, and here's what he wrote today: "Patric Hornqvist comes into camp as the favorite. Among the lead contenders, he has the longest track record as a bona fide NHL scorer."
Chris
1:41
Should the Pens try again with a veteran backup goaltender??
Jason Mackey
1:42
I don't think so. I think Casey DeSmith proved to be more than serviceable in that spot. Among their issues -- and they do have them -- I don't see needing a veteran backup as one. If DeSmith falters, I'd be fine giving Tristan Jarry some starts. I'll be interested to see how his summer translates to the ice.
Guest
1:42
jason, have you done any of the research on listening to more Train and KISS this offseason? You made a few promises along those lines and I'm specifically wondering if you checked out Train's live stuff? Thanks!
Jason Mackey
1:42
I have not. We moved this summer. Wife's pregnant. Just haven't had the time. I'm sorry.
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